The River and I

By John G. Neihardt

Book Overview

In 1908 John Neihardt (1881-1973) and two companions traveled the Missouri River--about two thousand miles--in a twenty-foot canoe. Originally published in Outing Magazine as a series of articles, The River and I describes their adventures on that wild waterway before it was dammed by the Army Corps of Engineers and points out storied sites along the shore. The result transcends journalism; Neihardt does for the Missouri what Twain did for the Mississippi. This Landmark edition makes available once more the book that was issued in 1910, two years before Neihardt began work on A Cycle of the West and twenty-two years before the publication of Black Elk Speaks.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803283725
• ISBN13: 9780803283725
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 325 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The River and I

The River and I, chronicles in metaphoric imagery John Neihart's open boat navigation of the Great Missouri River for two thousand-miles, from Fort Benton, Montana down to Sioux City, Iowa. Originally commisioned for a magazine the book contains 25 photos and illustrations made on the trip. Young Neihardt views the Missouri River in flood: ".... This cruel, invulnerable, restless giant.... This yellow, sinous beast with hell broth slavering from its jaws!... This dare-devil boy-god that sauntered along with a town in its pocket, and a steepled church under its arm for a moment's toy."